JP2020022663A - Ultrasonic measurement system - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable grasping of a state of a portion other than a bone, such as muscle, fascia and tendon, after training and rehabilitation.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic measurement system comprises: an ultrasonic measurement device; an ultrasonic probe which is connected to the ultrasonic measurement device and emits an ultrasonic wave with which a subject is radiated and on which an outgoing/incident member to which the ultrasonic wave reflected on the subject will be incident is exposed; a fixing tool for fixing the ultrasonic probe to the subject; and a pressure control unit which is provided between the ultrasonic probe and the fixing tool, and performs control so that pressing force of the ultrasonic probe on the subject is kept constant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic measurement system.

  It is important to note that athletes and those performing athletic rehabilitation therapy may experience injuries or ineffective, if not injured, training and rehabilitation due to excessive training and rehabilitation.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a bone densitometer that measures bone density as a means for avoiding a situation such as difficulty walking. More specifically, the bone densitometer is configured to include a first input unit for inputting an ultrasonic transmission speed in a bone of a subject, a second input unit for inputting a weight of the subject, Input means for inputting a fat free mass of a person, and calculating means for calculating bone density based on data from the first input means, and data from the second and third input means. And display means for displaying the bone density value calculated by the calculation means. "

JP 2002-238904 A

  The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 discloses a health maintenance technology that focuses on bones. Therefore, it is important for athletes and those who perform exercise rehabilitation therapy to use muscles, fascia, tendons, and other parts other than bones. Inability to determine status after training or rehabilitation. As a result, it is not possible to reduce injuries caused by overtraining of those who perform training or rehabilitation.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to grasp a state after training or rehabilitation of a part other than a bone such as a muscle, a fascia, and a tendon.

  The present application includes a plurality of means for solving at least a part of the above-described problems, and examples thereof are as follows. In order to solve the above problem, an ultrasonic measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an ultrasonic measurement device, which is connected to the ultrasonic measurement device and emits ultrasonic waves for irradiating a measurement subject with the ultrasonic measurement device. An ultrasonic probe having an exposed and incident member on which an ultrasonic wave reflected by a subject is exposed, a fixture for fixing the ultrasonic probe to the subject, and the ultrasonic probe and the fixing device A pressure control unit that is located between the ultrasonic probe and a pressure control unit that controls the ultrasonic probe to press the measurement subject at a constant pressure.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the state after training or rehabilitation of parts other than bones, such as a muscle, a fascia, and a tendon, can be grasped. As a result, it is possible to contribute to reducing injuries (especially injuries of inner muscles) due to overtraining of those who perform training and rehabilitation.

  Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of an ultrasonic measuring system which is an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing an example of a form of an ultrasonic measuring device and an ultrasonic probe. It is a figure showing an example of desirable shape of an ultrasonic probe. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the constantization of muscle pressing force by an ultrasonic probe. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the constantization of muscle pressing force by an ultrasonic probe. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a fixture. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a fixture. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a fixture. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a fixture. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a fixture. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a fixture. It is a figure which shows the specific example of a fixture. It is a figure showing the example of a display of guideline information. It is a figure showing the example of a display of guideline information.

  An embodiment according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for describing the embodiments, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals in principle, and the repeated description thereof will be omitted. Also, in the following embodiments, the components (including the element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise clearly specified and considered to be indispensable in principle. Needless to say. In addition, when saying “consisting of A”, “consisting of A”, “having A”, or “including A”, other elements are excluded unless otherwise specified. Needless to say, it doesn't. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shapes, positional relationships, and the like of the components, the shapes are substantially the same unless otherwise specified, and in cases where it is clearly considered in principle not to be so. And the like.

  In the following, a case will be described in which the present embodiment is applied to athlete training (so-called exercise, including exercise), but the present embodiment is also applied to training and rehabilitation other than athletes. it can.

<1. Overall configuration of ultrasonic measurement system>
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration example of an ultrasonic measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic measurement system 1 includes an ultrasonic measurement device 10, an ultrasonic probe 110, and a fixture 200 for fixing the ultrasonic probe 110 to a measurement subject.

  The person to be measured is, for example, a target of training or rehabilitation.

  The ultrasonic measurement device 10 displays the measurement result of the person to be measured or guideline information based on the measurement result, and receives input / output required for display. The ultrasonic measurement device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a display, and the like. The ultrasonic measurement device 10 can be realized by, for example, a display computer, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, and the like. It may be realized by.

  In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the description, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 10 will be described in a form in which display information is displayed on the display unit 13. In addition, a server may be additionally introduced into the ultrasonic measurement system 1, and the server may execute a part of the processing executed by the ultrasonic measurement device 10 and the transmission of display information to be displayed on the display unit 13.

  In the present embodiment, a person who visually recognizes the display on the display unit 13 is referred to as a user. As the user, for example, a subject to be measured and a trainer (trainer, therapist) who instructs the measured person in training or the like are assumed.

<2. Configuration example of ultrasonic measuring device 10>
Next, a logical configuration example of the ultrasonic measurement device 10 will be described.

  The ultrasonic measurement device 10 includes an image acquisition unit 11, a muscle information generation unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 15, a pointer information generation unit 16, and a control unit 17.

  The image acquisition unit 11 is connected to the ultrasonic probe 110 via a cable 112, acquires an ultrasonic image that is a living body tomographic image of the subject captured and generated by the ultrasonic probe 110, and generates muscle quality information. Output to the unit 12.

  The ultrasonic image is an image obtained by imaging using an ultrasonic wave, and depicts a tomographic (internal structure) of a living muscle of a subject. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 110 emits an ultrasonic wave to the person to be measured, and generates a B (Brightness) mode image in which the amplitude of the reflected wave is luminance as an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic probe 110 will be described later.

  The muscle quality information generation unit 12 performs a predetermined image analysis process on the ultrasonic image, and generates muscle quality information regarding the muscle of the subject based on the result.

  The display unit 13 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays a measurement result (muscle information) of the subject and guideline information based on the measurement result.

  The communication unit 14 communicates with a predetermined electronic device. The storage unit 15 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 15 stores information referred to when the pointer information generating unit 16 generates the pointer information, and the generated pointer information. The storage unit 15 is used as a work area by the pointer information generation unit 16.

  The pointer information generating unit 16 generates pointer information for the subject. The guideline information is information presented as a guideline for improving the muscle quality of the subject. A specific example of the guideline information will be described later.

  The control unit 17 controls each functional block constituting the ultrasonic measurement device 10 in a centralized manner.

  The configuration example of the ultrasonic measurement device 10 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. For example, various modifications such as omitting some of the components, replacing them with other components, and adding other components are possible.

<3. The part of the subject to be measured according to the present embodiment>
Next, a part of the subject to be measured which is the measurement target of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the measurement subject's muscles (including tendons) are measured. However, sites other than muscles, for example, fascia, fat, cartilage, intervertebral disc, skeleton, and the like may be measured.

  The muscles to be measured include the soleus muscle of the calf, the biceps brachii, the quadriceps, and the like. Further, so-called outer muscles (meaning superficial muscles in the present embodiment) and inner muscles (meaning deep muscles in the present embodiment) are also measured. Further, the part of the muscle to be measured may have a finer particle size than the example described above. For example, a specific muscle of a plurality of tendons constituting the soleus muscle can be a measurement target.

  The present embodiment is suitable for measurement of inner muscles that cannot be obtained by human palpation, and measurement of tendons near bones that may cause discomfort to the subject by palpation.

<4. Muscle hardness information and muscle quality information in the present embodiment>
In the present embodiment, “muscle hardness information” refers to the hardness at a predetermined point of a muscle part. “Muscle information” refers to the state of a muscle part as a whole. Therefore, it can be said that the muscle quality information is information that summarizes the muscle hardness information acquired for each point of a predetermined muscle part.

<5. Form of ultrasonic measuring device and ultrasonic probe>
Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of the form of the ultrasonic measuring device 10 and the ultrasonic probe 110.

  FIG. 2A shows an example in which the ultrasonic measurement device 10 is a handy type. FIG. 2B shows an example in which the ultrasonic measurement device 10 is of a stationary type. FIG. 2C shows an example in which the ultrasonic measuring device 10 is of an integrated type having a built-in ultrasonic probe 110.

  The hand-held type ultrasonic measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 2A and the stationary type ultrasonic measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 2B are connected to an ultrasonic probe 110 via a cable 112. You. A probe head 111 is provided at the tip of the ultrasonic probe 110.

  The integrated ultrasonic measuring device 10 shown in FIG. 2C has an ultrasonic probe 110 built in the lower front part thereof. The position at which the ultrasonic probe 110 is built is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the ultrasonic probe 110 may be built in the bottom surface, the side surface, or the back surface of the integrated ultrasonic measurement device 10. The integrated ultrasonic measurement device 10 can be realized by a general-purpose portable communication terminal such as a smartphone. Further, the integrated ultrasonic measurement device 10 may be configured such that the ultrasonic probe 110 is attached to a USB connector or the like provided in the portable communication terminal.

<6. Variations of ultrasonic probe>
The ultrasonic probe 110 may have a shape in which the probe head 111 protrudes as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, or may have another shape. For example, a plate-like shape as shown in FIG. 3 is desirable. Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 110 is connected to the measurement surface that is a surface where the light incident / incident member (described later) is exposed, a side surface connected to the measurement surface at a different angle, and connected at a different angle to the side surface, and And a measurement back surface parallel to at least a part of the measurement surface.

  The ultrasonic probe 110 shown in FIG. 3 has waterproof performance. A plurality of ultrasonic transducers (not shown) are arranged inside the ultrasonic probe 110. On the measurement surface of the ultrasonic probe 110, the incident / injecting member 113 is arranged in a plane. The ultrasonic transducer emits an ultrasonic wave and generates a reverberation sound based on the incident ultrasonic wave reflected by the measurement subject. The incident / injecting member 113 emits an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic oscillator, and makes a reflected wave incident on the ultrasonic oscillator.

  The incident light member 113 can efficiently emit ultrasonic waves to the outside of the ultrasonic probe 110 by being in contact with the ultrasonic transducer. In addition, it is preferable that the incident light member 113 is formed using, for example, a swellable resin as a material. However, a material other than the swellable resin may be used for the light incident member 113.

  Further, the shape of the ultrasonic probe 110 in FIG. 3 includes a measurement surface (hereinafter, referred to as an upper surface 1101) where the incident / injecting member 113 is exposed, and a measurement back surface opposite to the measurement surface (hereinafter, referred to as a lower surface 1102). ) Is short (that is, the thickness of the ultrasonic probe 110 is small). When the distance between the upper surface 1101 and the lower surface 1102 is short, the fixing force of the ultrasonic probe 110 to the muscle (specifically, the force that changes the fixing angle of the ultrasonic probe 11) can be reduced.

  Further, the shape of the ultrasonic probe 110 shown in FIG. 3 is characterized in that the cable 112 extends from the side surface 1103. For example, when the cable 112 is extended from the upper surface 1101, the shape of the muscle of the subject is deformed by the cable 112, and when the cable 112 is extended from the lower surface 1102, the pressure by the fixture 200 is increased. Will be affected. Since the cable 112 is easily deformed, in any case, the measurement is greatly affected. However, in the shape of FIG. 3, the ultrasonic probe 110 can be fixed in a state where a fixed pressure is applied by the fixture 200, and it is possible to prevent the pressure of the fixture 200 from affecting the cable 112.

  The lower surface 1102 of the ultrasonic probe 110 is not necessarily required to be a perfect plane, but may have a slightly curved shape. Thus, for example, the ultrasonic probe 110 can be stably fixed to a curved part such as an arm or a leg of the person to be measured, using the supporter or the like as the fixture 200.

  In addition, a pressure sensor is provided on the upper surface 1101 or the lower surface 1102 (more preferably, the lower surface 1102 without the incident / injecting member 113) of the ultrasonic probe 110 so that the ultrasonic measuring device 10 simultaneously detects the pressure during measurement. Is also good. The pressure detected here can be used to determine whether or not the measurement target muscle can always be measured in substantially the same shape (details will be described later).

  When the inner muscle is to be measured, it is important that the fixed angle besides the fixed position and the fixed pressure be stabilized so that the inner muscle to be measured can be irradiated with ultrasonic waves. The shape of the ultrasonic probe 110 described above can contribute to stabilization of the fixed angle.

<7. Method for fixing ultrasonic probe 110>
Next, variations of the method of fixing the ultrasonic probe 110 will be described. However, in any of the fixing methods, it is important that the measurement target muscle of the subject can always be measured with “substantially the same shape” and “same force application”.

  The reason that the measurement target muscle of the subject is always “substantially the same shape” and “the same force applied” is based on the ultrasonic images acquired at a plurality of measurement timings and the ultrasonic images in the present embodiment. This is for comparing muscle information.

  In order for a specific pixel of the ultrasonic image to always correspond to a specific muscle (or muscle fiber), it is necessary that the shape of the muscle is the same even when the ultrasonic probe 110 is measuring. In addition, since the muscle hardness is different even when the force applied to the muscle is different each time, it is also important to have a resting posture that contributes to “the degree of applying the same force”. Hereinafter, two methods of “constant muscle pressing force by the ultrasonic probe 110” and “constant hydraulic pressure of the intermediary liquid” that contribute to measurement of muscles in “substantially the same shape” will be described.

<7-1. Stabilization of muscle pressing force by ultrasonic probe 110>
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams for explaining the stabilization of the muscle pressing force by the ultrasonic probe 110. FIG.

  FIG. 4 shows that the pressure control unit 160 is arranged below the fixture 200 to make the muscle pressing force of the ultrasonic probe 110 constant, and the fixture 200 measures the ultrasonic probe 110 via the pressure control unit 160. The portion 170 is pressed and fixed.

  FIG. 5 is a specific example of FIG. 4, and FIG. 5A shows an example in which a cuff (upper arm annular band) is used as a fixture 200 and the ultrasonic probe 110 is pressed and fixed to the upper arm of a person to be measured. FIG. 5B shows an example in which the supporter is used as the fixture 200 and the ultrasonic probe 110 is pressed and fixed to the leg of the person to be measured.

  The fixing method using a cuff or a supporter as the fixing device 200 can fix the ultrasonic probe 110 relatively easily. However, there is a problem that the pressing force does not become constant when the cuff or the supporter used is deteriorated or the cuff or the supporter is replaced. The pressure control unit 160 can solve such a problem.

  The pressure control unit 160 is arranged between the fixture 200 such as a supporter and the ultrasonic probe 110, and changes the thickness (the vertical direction in FIG. 4) to make the pressing force of the ultrasonic probe 110 constant. In order to make the pressing force constant, a structure using a pressure detection sensor and an actuator for changing the thickness direction is conceivable. However, another structure may be used.

  Note that the fixture 200 such as a supporter or the pressure control unit 160 may have a mechanism or a shape for positioning the ultrasonic probe 110 so that the ultrasonic probe 110 can always be installed at the same position of the measurement target. Further, such a pressure control unit 160 may be a part of the ultrasonic probe 110.

  Further, as the fixture 200 for fixing the ultrasonic probe 110 to the person to be measured, various shapes other than the above-described cuff and supporter can be adopted. Specifically, a chair such as a massage chair as shown in FIG. 6, a bed as shown in FIG. 7, a bed as shown in FIG. 8, which is scanned (scanned) by the ultrasonic probe 110, or the like can be employed.

  According to the specific examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the subject can maintain a more stable posture as compared with the case where a cuff or a supporter is used. In the specific examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the pressure control unit 160 can be arranged between the fixture 200 and the ultrasonic probe 110. In addition, in the specific examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a layer of a swellable resin may be provided in a region of the ultrasonic probe 110 in contact with a person to be measured. As the swellable resin, for example, a material obtained by adding moisture to a resin such as a cellulose resin, nylon, or a urethane resin can be employed.

<7-2. Water pressure stabilization of carrier liquid>
In the specific examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the ultrasonic probe 110 is brought into contact with the person to be measured. In the specific example of the fixture 200 shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. The sound waves are emitted to the subject through the intermediary liquid filled in the liquid storage tank.

  FIG. 9 shows an example in which the ultrasonic probe 110 is fixed to a wall surface of a bathtub as a liquid storage tank. FIG. 10 shows an example in which an ultrasonic probe 110 is fixed to a wall surface and a bottom surface of a tub-shaped container as a liquid storage tank. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the ultrasonic probe 110 is fixed to a wall surface of a shallow water tank as a liquid storage tank. FIG. 12 shows an example in which an ultrasonic probe 110 capable of scanning (scanning) is provided outside a cylindrical container as a liquid storage tank.

  In addition, it is desirable that the medium liquid is a liquid such as water or the like whose ultrasonic wave transmission speed is close to a human body fluid. However, the medium liquid may be a liquid whose transmission speed of the ultrasonic wave is not close to the body fluid of the human body. In the case where the transmission speed of the ultrasonic wave by the medium liquid is different from the body fluid of the human body, in the process of generating an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave, if the correction is made in consideration of the transmission speed of the ultrasonic wave by the medium liquid. Good.

  Factors that change the shape of the measurement target portion (muscles or the like) of the subject when using the medium liquid include the posture (particularly height) of the person to be measured and the amount of the medium liquid (the fixture is a container shape). In this case, the water level in the container) is relevant. This is because the pressure (water pressure) of the medium liquid applied to the measurement target portion changes in each case.

  Therefore, in the specific examples shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, in order to make the pressure by the medium liquid constant, a scale indicating a level at which the medium liquid is filled, or a guide (for example, illustration , Concave shape, etc.) is preferably provided in the liquid storage tank. Regarding the scale, for example, in the case of the specific example of FIG. 10, a tub-shaped container as a liquid storage tank is sized so that at least the sole, the Achilles tendon, and the calf of the leg of the subject can be immersed in the medium liquid. The scale is provided above the calf height with the subject's leg immersed. For the guide, for example, in the case of the specific example of FIG. 11, by providing a pillow and a member for supporting the sole of the subject in the shallow water bath, the subject is placed in a supine position at a predetermined position with respect to the subject. Can be encouraged.

  Further, the ultrasonic probe 110 may be colored in a different color from that of the bathtub or the like, or the tactile sensation may be changed, thereby urging the person to be measured to have the same posture suitable for measurement.

  The method using an intermediary liquid is used for measurement of parts where pain is likely to be felt when pressed by a supporter such as an Achilles tendon, or measurement when the measurement target is deformed or moves excessively by pressing with a supporter etc. It is suitable.

<7-3. Ultrasound probe 110 capable of scanning>
As described above, in the specific example of the fixture 200 shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, the ultrasonic probe 110 can be scanned (scanned). As described above, when the ultrasonic probe 110 is capable of scanning, measurement can be performed while maintaining the shape of the subject's muscle, which is more preferable for acquiring three-dimensional information on muscle hardness. In addition, regarding the method of maintaining the muscle shape at the time of performing this scanning, when using the intermediate liquid, since the ultrasonic probe 110 does not directly touch the measurement target, there is no problem because the scanning does not change the muscle shape. . On the other hand, when the ultrasonic probe 110 is pressed against the measurement target, the pressed position changes. However, if the same pressing and scanning angles are used each time for each pressing position, there is no problem because the pixels of the ultrasonic image correspond to the same intramuscular position. In addition, by making the scanning direction the same as the direction in which the muscle fibers of the muscle (particularly, the outer muscle) propagate, it is possible to prevent the muscle from moving significantly during scanning.

<8. Display of guideline information>
Next, the guideline information generated by the muscle information generating unit 12 and displayed on the display unit 13 will be described.

<8-1. First example: For the purpose of preventing injury>
As a first example, a description will be given of display of guideline information for the purpose of preventing the subject's exercise performance from lowering or being injured due to muscle fatigue.

<8-1-1. Use Case>
A use case in the first example will be described. The person to be measured is, for example, a person who performs the following training menu (representing the type, number of times, time, load, and the like of exercise performed as training or rehabilitation).

  First, as step A1, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 10 captures and stores muscles of the subject before executing the training menu, that is, muscles in a state where fatigue is not accumulated. More specifically, the image acquiring unit 11 acquires an ultrasonic image from the ultrasonic probe 110 in accordance with an operation by a person to be measured or a user, and stores the acquired ultrasonic image in the storage unit 15 as a non-fatigued ultrasonic image.

  Next, as step A2, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 10 captures and stores muscles of the subject after execution of the training menu, that is, muscles in a state where fatigue is likely to occur. Further, the ultrasonic measurement device 10 generates muscle quality information based on the stored ultrasonic images before and after the training menu is stored. Specifically, the image acquiring unit 11 acquires an ultrasonic image from the ultrasonic probe 110 in response to an operation from the person to be measured or a user, and associates the acquired ultrasonic image with the acquisition date and time as an ultrasonic image at the time of fatigue. 15 is stored. Then, the muscle quality information generating unit 12 generates the muscle quality information based on each of the unfatigued ultrasonic image and the fatigued ultrasonic image stored in the storage unit 15. Further, the guideline information generating unit 16 of the ultrasonic measurement device 10 compares the muscle quality information before and after the training menu is executed, determines the muscle quality of the subject based on the comparison result, and uses the muscle quality as the guideline information. And the next training menu based on the muscle fatigue and muscle quality. The generated pointer information is displayed on the display unit 13 and presented to the subject and the user. This step A2 is repeatedly executed a plurality of times.

  Next, as Step A3, the subject uses the ultrasonic measurement device 10 to grasp the latest muscle state or execute a reduced or strengthened training menu based on the muscle state. And continue training while preventing athletic performance deterioration and injury. Thus, the subject can improve exercise performance and complete rehabilitation.

<8-1-2. Display contents>
Examples of guideline information displayed in the use case in the first example are listed below.
Muscle quality information, that is, muscle hardness: Since the absolute value of muscle quality (muscle hardness) may vary depending on the subject, the muscle formula information generated at step A1 before the training menu is executed is used. Display in a time-series format is preferred so as to include. In addition, as an example of the muscle material information, a ratio that is equal to or higher than a predetermined hardness may be calculated and displayed. This is because the degree of fatigue differs between the central part and the end part (ie, tendon) of the muscle, and there are positions where the change is likely to appear as a change in hardness and positions where it is not.
-Fatigue degree: This is because, as a general tendency, as the muscle becomes harder, the degree of fatigue tends to be higher.

  FIG. 13 shows a state in which a graph displaying muscle quality information in time series is displayed on the display unit 13 as a display example of the guideline information. FIG. 14 shows a state in which a training menu suitable for muscle fatigue is displayed on the display unit 13 as a display example of the guideline information.

<8-1-3. Display granularity of guideline information>
Examples of the granularity for displaying the guideline information are listed below.
-For each muscle-For each ultrasound image-For the inner muscle and outer muscle-For each training type: Muscle quality information of the muscles used in a certain type of training is grouped and displayed.
-Each action in the competition being performed by the person to be measured: For example, when the person to be measured is a baseball player, "run", "throw", and "hit" are set. Further, for example, when the measured person is a soccer player, “run”, “kick”, “heading” and the like are set.

<8-1-4. Contents of the proposed training menu>
Examples of the contents of the training menu proposed as guide information are listed below.
・ Exercise type, load, number of times ・ Exercise execution time and rest time ・ Dietary content, intake supplements, treatment details

<8-1-5. Supplement>
The above description is supplemented.

  The operation from the subject or the user means, for example, pressing a button (not shown) provided on the ultrasonic measuring device 10 or the ultrasonic probe 110 or a touch panel (not shown) laminated on the display unit 13. Refers to the action of touching.

  Although the ultrasonic image acquired in step A1 is an ultrasonic image at the time of non-fatigue, even after receiving the proposal of the training menu at least once after using the ultrasonic measuring apparatus 10, the ultrasonic image at the time of non-fatigue is obtained. Update of the ultrasound image may be received. In this case, the first ultrasonic image may be discarded, but it is preferable that the ultrasonic image be kept stored in the storage unit 15 as it is. This is because the first ultrasonic image is important data indicating a change in the muscles of the subject, and is also a material for verifying the validity of the training menu proposed before updating.

  To create muscle information, a method using a difference between an ultrasonic image in a state where the subject is not tired (for example, before the training is executed) and an ultrasonic image after the training menu is executed can be applied. This method is a suitable generation method when individual differences and muscle site differences are significant. Note that a method that does not take a difference may be adopted.

  Muscle quality information is, for example, statistically processed (averaged, maximized) at each point in the muscle region (in the above example, the difference between the muscle hardness when not fatigued and the muscle hardness after execution of the training menu). , Etc.). As a part of the statistical processing, the muscle hardness may be compared with a predetermined threshold to determine the volume or area ratio in the muscle part at the “point where the hardness has risen above the threshold”. The threshold value may be input to the ultrasonic measurement device 10 from outside. The area at this time may be an area on a plane in the depth direction, an area on a plane substantially parallel to the skin, or an area on another plane.

  Muscle information may be represented in a numerical format, but by evaluating the numerical value with a threshold or the like, the display unit 13 displays words such as “soft”, “normal”, and “hard” and icons having such a meaning. May be displayed.

<8-2. Second example: To achieve both training goals and prevent injuries>
As a second example, a description will be given of display of guideline information for the purpose of achieving both training targets and injury prevention.

  When the subject is a high-level athlete, there are cases where a training target is drafted, a training menu is created according to the drafted training target, and training is performed. The following example describes a display method and processing of guideline information aiming at achieving both the training target achievement and the prevention of injury due to fatigue.

  In addition, the compatibility is not only to propose a training menu with a light load on muscles for the purpose of recovering from fatigue when fatigued, but also to a range that does not cause injuries when the fatigue after training decreases due to the growth of the subject. Includes proposing high intensity training menus at

<8-2-1. Use Case>
A use case in the second example will be described.

  First, as a step B1, a person to be measured drafts a training target together with a trainer or the like, and prepares a training menu according to the training target. Typically, it is created by the subject and the trainer based on the experience and knowledge accumulated so far.

  Next, as step B2, the ultrasonic measurement apparatus 10 photographs and stores muscles of the subject before executing the training menu, that is, muscles in a state where fatigue is not accumulated. More specifically, the image acquiring unit 11 acquires an ultrasonic image from the ultrasonic probe 110 in accordance with an operation by a person to be measured or a user, and stores the acquired ultrasonic image in the storage unit 15 as an unfatigued ultrasonic image.

  Next, as step B3, the ultrasonic measurement device 10 photographs and stores muscles of the subject after the execution of the training menu, that is, muscles in a state where fatigue may occur. Further, the ultrasonic measurement device 10 generates muscle quality information based on the stored ultrasonic images before and after the training menu is stored. Specifically, the image acquiring unit 11 acquires an ultrasonic image from the ultrasonic probe 110 in response to an operation from the person to be measured or a user, and associates the acquired ultrasonic image with the acquisition date and time as an ultrasonic image at the time of fatigue. 15 is stored. Then, the muscle quality information generating unit 12 generates the muscle quality information based on each of the unfatigued ultrasonic image and the fatigued ultrasonic image stored in the storage unit 15.

  Further, the guideline information generating unit 16 of the ultrasonic measurement device 10 compares the muscle quality information before and after the training menu is executed, determines the muscle quality of the subject based on the comparison result, and uses the muscle quality as the guideline information. And the next training menu based on the muscle fatigue and muscle quality. The generated pointer information is displayed on the display unit 13 and presented to the subject and the user. At this time, an initial training menu or a progress difference until the target is achieved may be displayed. Further, a message indicating that the training target has been achieved or a message indicating that it is estimated that the training target cannot be achieved may be displayed.

  Next, as step B4, the subject determines whether or not a predetermined training period has been completed (or whether or not a training target has been achieved). Here, when it is determined that the predetermined training period has been completed (or the training target has been achieved), the subject ends the training. Conversely, if it is determined that the predetermined training period has not ended (or the training target has not been achieved), the subject will continue training, and the process returns to step B3, and thereafter, Is repeated.

<8-2-2. Display contents>
An example of the guideline information displayed in the use case in the second example is <8-1-2. Display Contents> is the same as the case of the first example described above.

  However, in the second example, an initial training menu or a progress difference until the target is achieved may be displayed as guideline information. Specifically, for example, the initial training menu created in step B1 and the training menu generated in step B3 may be displayed side by side, or the difference between the two may be highlighted.

  Further, a message indicating that it is estimated that the training target cannot be achieved in the training menu actually performed by the subject may be displayed. Further, an extension date of the training period may be proposed together with the message.

<8-2-3. Display granularity of guideline information>
The granularity for displaying the pointer information in the second example is the same as that in the first example described above.

<8-2-4. Contents of the proposed training menu>
The contents of the proposed training menu in the second example are the same as those in the first example described above.

<8-2-5. Supplement>
The above description is supplemented.

  A predetermined index value may be calculated as a criterion for generating a training menu or determining a difference in progress of a training target (including whether or not a training target has been achieved).

  For example, a part of the contents of the training menu may be different from the contents of the competition performed by the subject so that the competition performed by the subject is 10,000 m running and the training menu includes endurance training of 20,000 m running. If they are similar, the index value may use the result of the training menu of the similar content.

  Also, for example, as the measured person is a baseball pitcher, and the training menu includes items for enhancing the measured physical strength of the measured person, such as running and machine training, the training menu and the measured contents of the measured person are included. If there is little similarity, a test menu with high similarity to the competition content may be added as part of the training menu. Also, the result of the practice match may be included as a test menu.

  Note that the pointer information generating unit 16 may be configured to be able to externally acquire the initial setting (or change setting) of the calculation item of the index value.

<9. Addition of server to ultrasonic measurement system 1>
A server connectable to the ultrasonic measurement system 1 via an information communication network such as the Internet may be additionally introduced, and a part of the functional blocks of the ultrasonic measurement device 10 may be provided in the server. Specifically, for example, the storage unit 15 and the pointer information generation unit 16 may be provided in a server, and the communication unit 14 may perform communication between the ultrasonic measurement device 10 and the server.

  Note that, typically, the ultrasonic measurement device 10 is more expensive than a display computer, and it is not practical to assign one ultrasonic measurement device to each user (for example, a subject). However, there is a demand that each user wants to confirm the verification of the effect by the training menu at any time.

  As described above, when a server is additionally introduced into the ultrasonic measurement system 1, the ultrasonic measurement device 10 is in charge of acquiring an ultrasonic image, and the server is in charge of generating guideline information. The muscle condition can be checked (for example, at rest).

  In addition, the ultrasonic measurement device 10 is used for training services using the existing Internet and smartphones (for example, running management applications using GPS (Global Positioning System) signals, instruction using remote conferences, and training). An example of such cooperation is to display a GUI object such as a button or a URL on the display computer screen and operate the object to provide a training service. A site, an article purchase site, and other service sites may be displayed.

<10. Other variations>
The display unit 13 may display muscle quality information or an ultrasonic image in addition to or instead of the pointer information.

  The muscle hardness information may be represented in a numerical format, like the muscle quality information. Further, by evaluating the numerical value with a threshold value or the like, the display unit 13 may display words such as “soft”, “normal”, and “hard” and icons indicating such a meaning.

  As described above, the embodiments and the modifications according to the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described example of the embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the example of the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to make the present invention easy to understand, and the present invention is not limited to one having all the configurations described here. In addition, a part of the configuration of one example of an embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another example. Further, it is also possible to add another example configuration to the example configuration of one embodiment. Further, with respect to a part of the configuration of an example of each embodiment, another configuration can be added, deleted, or replaced. In addition, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, and the like may be partially or entirely realized by hardware, for example, by designing an integrated circuit. Further, control lines and information lines in the figure indicate those considered to be necessary for the description, and do not necessarily indicate all of them. Almost all configurations may be considered interconnected.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic measurement system, 10 ... Ultrasonic measurement device, 11 ... Image acquisition part, 12 ... Muscle information generation part, 13 ... Display part, 14 ... Communication part, 15: storage unit, 16: pointer information generation unit, 17: control unit, 110: ultrasonic probe, 111: probe head, 112: cable, 113: outgoing / incident Member, 160: Pressure control unit, 170: Measurement site, 200: Fixture

Claims (10)

An ultrasonic measuring device,
An ultrasonic probe that is connected to the ultrasonic measurement device, and emits an ultrasonic wave for irradiating the measurement subject and an exposed and incident member to which an ultrasonic wave reflected by the measurement subject is incident, and
A fixture for fixing the ultrasonic probe to the subject,
A pressure control unit that is located between the ultrasonic probe and the fixture and controls the pressing of the ultrasonic probe on the person to be measured to be constant.
An ultrasonic measurement system comprising: An ultrasonic measuring device,
An ultrasonic probe that is connected to the ultrasonic measurement device, and emits an ultrasonic wave for irradiating the measurement subject and an exposed and incident member to which an ultrasonic wave reflected by the measurement subject is incident, and
A fixture that functions as a liquid storage tank filled with the medium liquid, and that fixes the ultrasonic probe to the person to be measured,
An ultrasonic measurement system, wherein a scale for storing a fixed amount of the medium liquid is provided in the liquid storage tank. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 2,
The liquid storage tank has a shape in which at least a sole, an Achilles tendon, and a calf of the subject's leg can be immersed in the medium liquid,
The ultrasonic measurement system, wherein the scale is provided at a height equal to or higher than the calf in a state where the leg of the subject is immersed. An ultrasonic measuring device,
An ultrasonic probe connected to the ultrasonic measuring device,
A fixture for fixing the ultrasonic probe to a subject,
With
The ultrasonic probe,
An outgoing / injecting member that emits ultrasonic waves for irradiating the measurement subject and receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the measurement subject,
A cable for connecting to the ultrasonic measurement device,
Has,
The shape of the ultrasonic probe,
A measurement surface, which is a surface where the light incident and incident member is exposed,
A side surface connected at a different angle to the measurement surface,
Connected at a different angle to the side surface, at least a part of the measurement back surface is parallel to at least a part of the measurement surface,
Has,
The ultrasonic measurement system, wherein the cable extends from the side surface. The ultrasonic measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The ultrasonic measurement system, wherein the incident light member is made of a swellable resin. The ultrasonic measurement system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The ultrasonic measurement device displays muscle information generated based on an ultrasonic image of the subject before training and an ultrasonic image of the subject after training. Ultrasonic measurement system. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 6,
The ultrasonic measurement system, wherein the ultrasonic measurement device displays guideline information including a training menu whose load is adjusted based on the muscle quality information. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 7,
An ultrasonic measurement system, wherein the ultrasonic measurement device generates the guideline information based on the muscle information. The ultrasonic measurement system according to claim 7,
A server having a pointer information generating unit that generates the pointer information based on the muscle information,
An ultrasonic measurement system, comprising: The ultrasonic measurement system according to any one of claims 6 to 9,
The ultrasound measurement system, wherein the muscle information is information for an inner muscle.

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